Before the first cars of its i sub-brand come to market, BMW is showing yet another concept that shows what we could see in the future. Called the i concept—and not the i4 or the i-Eco—it is a low, sporty version of the i3 concept. The i3, as we know it, is a high-roof compact with practical appeal; the i concept, which can be thought of as an i3 coupe, adds a welcome emotional element to BMW’s earth-saving, politically correct sub-brand. The i will debut next week at the Los Angeles auto show.

When the i3—and, potentially, the i concept—come to market, they will be offered as pure electrics or as electrics with a range-extending internal-combustion engine. The i3 will be offered in 2013, a coupe version could come shortly thereafter. The i concept also will provide a link to the i8 sports car, which we’ve seen as in both coupe and convertible concept forms. The stylish and expensive i8, which will be launched as a series-production model in 2014, is a plug-in hybrid that shares its electrical powertrain with the i3. Star designer Benoit Jacob, who reports directly to BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, is responsible for the styling of all i models.